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Students have world at fingertips

Perth College students Basira Khan and Ellen Cutler are using Skype to learn about geography. Picture: Andrew Ritchie www.communitypix.com.au d421329

Perth College students last week closed their books and took to Skype to learn about and identify a specific place in Ireland.

Students on both sides of the world were able to ask questions of each other to identify their country, city and school.

Year 6 teacher Bek Duyckers said the Skype session was one in a series of lessons, which aimed to help students learn about the world by expanding their learning opportunities beyond the traditional confines.

‘Technology has allowed students to practise skills such as mapping, using sources i.e. atlases and Google maps and identify what information they need to guide their search for a school,’ she said.

‘The features on the maps assist with the formulation of questions, with each mystery Skype refining their questioning techniques. Technology has afforded the students the opportunity to connect with students in classrooms around the world, from the convenience of the classroom.’